Luis Diaz lingered for a few seconds with the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award in his hands, looking around as if to make sure he was not dreaming. Fresh from being named on a night of high stakes and eventual success, his reaction said less about the moment than the journey it had taken to get there. “It was a very special moment for me,” he said. “I was on the verge of tears. So many memories from the past came flooding back. I’ve worked my socks off to get here. Now I’m living the dream I had as a young lad of representing my country at a World Cup.”
The winger could hardly have wished for a better start to the , leading the line for a side with reason to dream of winning the trophy for the first time “On a personal level, I got off to a flying start,” he added of the . “An assist and a really good goal. Getting off to this kind of start at the World Cup was really important to me. It was a dream I’d always wanted to fulfil, and now it’s come true.”
After an outstanding season with Bayern Munich, expectations of him have headed through the roof. Diaz embraces that responsibility, carrying the hopes of an entire nation that relies on him for moments of magic: goals, assists and the inspiration to unlock the tightest of games. Yet despite that Player of the Match award against Ghana, he was left somewhat frustrated after failing to convert a couple of golden opportunities. “I should have scored those two chances,” he said. “They were important because if I’d put them away, we’d have killed the game off and been able to relax. I’m frustrated with myself.”
Self-reflection has become a constant theme in his comments. Ahead of the Round of 16 meeting with Switzerland, Colombia are one step away from reaching the last eight and matching their best-ever World Cup run, which was at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. They have won plenty of admirers with their brand of football, with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente among those waxing lyrical about them. Yet Diaz believes there is still room for improvement and returns to the subject of converting chances.
He said: “I’m just lacking a bit of composure in front of goal. I’ve had opportunities to score and I’ve had a couple of goals chalked off. I’m still not quite as confident as I want to be. I’m just trying to improve game by game. I was in a much better place against Ghana than I was in the previous game and I can’t afford to take a step backwards.”
That final line encapsulates Lucho’s mindset: always hungry for more and convinced there is more to come. Now 29, he attributes his ongoing development to the season he has just enjoyed at Bayern Munich, where he was instrumental in their Bundesliga title triumph, scoring 26 goals and laying on 19 assists. Now firmly established among the biggest names in world football, he believes he has arrived at the World Cup at the ideal point in his career. “What I achieved at Bayern this season has helped me come on in leaps and bounds, both mentally and physically,” he said. “I’m enjoying the best spell of my career personally.”
The journey to fulfilling his World Cup dream has been no walk in the park: Diaz has been shaped by the hardships he has endured in recent years, with personal and family issues testing his stability. “In previous years, I had some personal and family problems. There always seemed to be something preventing us from being at peace. It took its toll on me, both mentally and physically.”
Nestor Lorenzo, the Colombia coach, is fully aware of the responsibility on the shoulders of his number seven. Diaz is the player everyone turns to when a game demands a moment of inspiration. “Lucho is a player capable of making the difference, and we always expect him to deliver in every match,” said Lorenzo. “He’s stepped up, he’s had goals disallowed and he hasn’t had the rub of the green either, with a couple of efforts ruled out by the finest of margins. But Lucho has produced some excellent displays. There are always high expectations of him because everyone knows what a quality player he is.”
So to Switzerland, a team that Diaz speaks about with respect and clarity. “They’re a strong side, very physical, full of fight, and they work as a tight unit,” he said. “Like every World Cup match, I think they’ve all been incredibly tough. We’ve got to approach the game knowing we can’t give anything away. Whichever side gives something away will pay the ultimate price.”
His final message is aimed at the fans. Those waiting for his goals, his assists and the big moments he so often produces. Those who know that Colombia need their star man to be firing on all cylinders to keep the dream alive. “My message to the people of Colombia is to keep believing in us. I know they expect goals and assists from me. I’m giving it my all to make it happen, and I’m also working hard for the team.”
Luis Diaz has already announced himself at this World Cup. He has already provided an assist, found the back of the net, been named Player of the Match and inspired a nation. But Diaz himself feels there is still more to come – and that conviction is shared by a nation dreaming of going all the way.
Sources: FIFA Official
